Ok,

My S4 got stolen and I think I want to go back to a 2 door. At this point, the value of the 350z is too much to pass up. I can't justify $35-40k on a used M3 with no warranty.

I am dead set on Daytona Blue and the 6 speed. I will probably get either an Enthusiast or Touring Model...not that big of a deal either way to me.

I have been reading the forums the past few days and the internet in general about the Z and I am getting kind of worried about picking up a 2003. There are 4 for sale in my immediate area at dealerships, all with about 20,000. The prices range from $22,995 (2003 enthusiast) to $25,995 (2003 touring).

First off, am I really taking a huge risk in getting a 2003? The way I hear some people talk it scares the **** out of me. Between the feathering and the transmission I am getting a bit hesitant. On the other hand, I am coming from a B5 S4 which everyone was scared shitless of. The only thing, are the 350z problems covered by the Warranty? I know the tire feathering is a pain in the ***. Someone told me if you put on new rims/tires you don't really have that problem. I plan on upgrading the rims/tires rather soon anyway.

Secondly, what would be a good price to pick these up at? They have all been sitting at their respective dealerships for months. I don't keep cars very long so I want to make sure I get a decent price so when I turn around and sell it in a year I don't take it in the pooper.


Thanks in advance, looking forward to bs'in with you all

 

I do not own a Z, but like you am thinking about it. I have done a lot of reasearch and in my opion I would not take the chance of buying a 2003 or a 2004 and having a tire feathering problem. You are going to pay 23000 to 26000 or even high for a 03 or a 04, I think you could probaby get a new enthusiest for around 27000. Personally I am going to just get a new one where I know how it has been driven and has a lot of warranty. Thats my 2 cents worth.

 

welcome.

tire feathering is a case by case ocurance in mostly 03s and 04s. it happens, people who complain are normally louder than people who never had any problems, so the issue often seems to be blown out of proportion... but thats not to say that it doesnt happen and that people dont have the right to be mad. but there are plenty of people who have had this problem and had it corrected by the dealership, and there are even more who never had a problem. if you are serious about getting a z, i wouldnt let this issue stop you. just make sure you get it from a dealer you "trust" and can rely to stand behind their sell to you.

the price is going to vary from dealer to dealer, and location - i've heard some guys on here talking several dealers down to crazy prices, while others can barely get out the door under msrp. this topic has been covered in depth and there is hours of reading for you to investigate on this site alone. the search function will reveal all (the search function is under the forum tab at the top, two down, its a great tool). you'll be able to see what people paid for what trim and their location.

hope that helps a little! welcome to the z community! now go get one!

 

That's kinda what I figured. With the S4 everyone was talking about turbo failure, throttle body boots and a few other things. I bought it certified so it wasn't a problem. I think whatever dealer I buy from I am going to tell them that I know about the feathering and try to work out something about it, should it occur.

I'm hoping I can knock of $2,000 on the $25k ones and maybe $1,000-1500 on the $22k one.

 

I agree that you're hearing the bulk of the ticked off 03 / 04 owners. Even when it all came about, I simply had a laser alignment completed and no problemo! The only other issue that exists is the streaky window TSB. I had them tinted prior to the TSB, so getting them fixed most likely will equate to retinting them. IMHO, it's not a big deal and really not worth my time . . . I love my 03!!!

G

 

I'm not having any problems with my '03 DB Track. I had one alignment right after I got the car (it was starting to "growl"), at less than 2K miles and no problems since. Other little items have been fixed by the dealer in accordance with the service bulletins and I am very happy with my car. So, it seems the alignment probs are a case by case basis as noted earlier.

Best bang for the buck car I've bought since 1995.

 

Thank God!!! Another member who simply had an alignment and no remaining effects of "tire feathering." On a similar note, I must say that if you're going to get an alignment, shell out for a nice laser one. It gives you piece of mind knowing that someone actually performed the work (they will give you a nice printout), rather than a tech saying "it's ready."

G

 

Mine was done on a state of the art Hunter laser machine. Very precise and quick, too! I got the printout saved in my folder of info on the car. I'm gonna have to realign soon...NISMO suspension kit and caster/toe kit being installed.

 

Yeah, I simply scan all my receipts and printouts into the computer to provide the next owner with a little piece of mind. And I, too, had it aligned by a Hunter laser . . . one of the best brands from what I understand.

Back on topic: Buy the 03 as long as there is no indication that it has tranny problems. I know of a few (rare) people who've gone through several . . .

G

 

would I be able to tell just by driving it? grinding gears? vibrations?

Factory Warranty is until when? 50-60,000 miles?

 

Get the VIN and have the service department run it for services performed on the car. That will tell you, if the previous owner cared enuff to get things fixed, just what was done. Look for more than one alignment.

I'm not sure about the warranty term. Mine no longer applies as I installed a supercharger so I'm not gonna go to Nissan for warranty issues, with respects to the drivetrain, ever again. But, if memory serves, there is a 36m/36K warranty on all items except wear parts. Check with the service manager to see if the warranty is transferrable before you buy.

Don't know if you can tell just by driving it. How good are ya? <G> Just kidding. Get the service manager onto the car for ya. That always helps and you can get some good info that way.

Also, with any used car purchase, have the dealer spring for a CarFax report on it. Make sure you compare the VIN on the car with the VIN on the report.

 

3yr / 36K bumper to bumper
5yr / 60K Limited Powertrain (according to Nissanusa.com)

Most people with tranny issues have syncro problems . . . and will grind typically in 2nd or 3rd gear. Maddog makes a great point to have the service manager do a search on that particular VIN. Although it will not expose work performed at other non-Nissan dealerships, it will give you an idea of what warranty issues arose during the previous owners tenure. Personally, as long as you buy a vehicle prior to 25000 miles, I think you will have ample time to find any warranty issues prior to its expiration. The main thing that you must address is weeding out the good from the bad owners. Paint quality, interior condition (not necessarily its cleanliness), and the engine bay may give you a few hints, but the dealer is pretty good at hiding underlying issues with detailing and new items, such as tires. Carfax comes in handy, but should not be a crutch for your decision. It all depends on whether or not the servicing entity reports to a database that Carfax pulls from.

Hope that helps.

Gary

 

After thinking about your situation, I would wait a few more months for the 06 to roll out . . . why? It will depreciate the 03s even further! You don't tend to keep a vehicle for very long, so I'm sure you don't want it to drop simply because of a new model year. If you can find another vehicle for the time being, you will be set. If not, you may want to consider having all 4 dealers price war with each other to offset the upcoming depreciation.

G

 

awww..shucks...Gary...now i'm all embarassed an' ****...

And Gary makes a good point as well. If the tranny does crunch, it's the synchros. Mine don't crunch and I haven't exactly been easy on the tranny. Maybe I got a "SuperZ"...lol

Michael

 

I own a 2003 350Z Touring... I got the car with 5,000 miles for $24,000 with a full factory waranty. the waranty covers everything, from the engine and drive train, stereo, to the wheels and tires. even if I get a blow out on the high way and it messes up the wheel, they'll replace them..
My Z now has almost 10,000 miles and I have no problems... I drive it Hard every day.. I also treat it really good...